35. Sterile Gauze.
(Buy a one-yard package at the drug store. Keep it wrapped.)
“Sterile” means clean in a medical sense—free from germs. Do not handle. Hands are seldom clean in a medical sense. Never use old rags or pieces of handkerchiefs unless freshly laundered, but if possible use sterile gauze for wrapping cuts or wounds.
36. Triangular Bandages.
The triangular bandage is the bandage used for first-aid emergencies.
The roller bandages are for more permanent use.
It is most convenient to have on hand one of the Red Cross First Aid Outfits, the contents of which are so packed as to keep them free from dust.
The simplest of these outfits contains all material necessary in ordinary household accidents:
- A triangular muslin bandage.
- A gauze bandage.
- Two safety pins.
On the triangular bandage are printed pictures showing the way in which it is used. (See [Chapter XIII].)